Crossgates not shining quite so brightly due to 'health and safety'

Let there be light in Crossgates ... and new bulbs

CROSSGATES isn’t shining quite so brightly this year after a lack of funding and "health and safety reasons" forced a reduction in the Christmas lighting.

The official switch on of the village’s lights display took place in the community garden on Sunday, however the local residents were left anything but dazzled after the gloomy event.

The Press was told that while there's no lack of Christmas spirit in Crossgates, the poor showing has been as a result of old lights having to be disposed of and organisers not being able to get them replaced in time for this year's festive illuminations.

There was disappointment but hopes are high that the necessary funding can be found to light up the village in time for next year's visit from Santa.

Crossgates Community Council chair Maureen Cuthbertson explained that she and treasurer John Wylie had appealed to Crossgates and Mossgreen residents and businesses back in October, in the hope that money can be raised so they are able to restore the Yuletide lighting for next year.

She said: “Crossgates and Mossgreen Community Council has to report that with regret, there will be limited Christmas street lights this year in the village, as the old lights are no longer safe and have had to be disposed of for health and safety reasons.

“The picture shows the only lights in the village, put in place by members of the community council, with help from several villagers.

“The Community Garden has been lit and the usual Christmas tree erected, but there was no immediate funding available to finance the necessary electrification of the street lamps by Fife Council, at a cost of £320 for each standard, giving a total cost for 20 lamps of £6,400.

“In addition you have to add the subsequent leasing each year of the Christmas lights at a further cost of around £1,800, this results in a total cost of £8,200 for next year."

The community council hopes it can be turned around for 2019 and Maureen and John have urged any residents or businesses who can improve next year’s display to get in touch.

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